Peterborough 
Some of southern Ontario’s greatest hidden gems are but a quick turn off the main highways. And a few of these more scenic hidden gems are easy to access, or include accessible trails to make the views more enjoyable for all!
Credit: Quinte Conservation Area
The Vanderwater Conservation Area, part of the Municipality of Tweed, offers a little bit of everything when it comes to views and scenery, including rapids, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation. Those features, along with the beauty of the Moira River surrounded by protected forests, all contribute to making this quick stop off the highway a hidden gem with much to offer.
The year-round park has hiking trails for all skill levels and abilities, which are open to skiers and snowshoers for the winter. This quiet area is beautiful any time of year, but especially for a fall hike as the mixed, mature, and dense forests change colours for the season.
Vanderwater’s Trails
The mature forests on the banks of the Moira River create a beautiful setting for hiking and passive cycling (remaining at slower speeds and giving hikers the right-of-way). In total, the park offers 16 km of hiking and cycling trails, spread across four main trails. The Internal Park Road is lined with several areas to pull over for a picnic, and is the best way to get the best views of the river.
- Vanderwater Conservation Area’s two beginner-level trails include the accessible riverside trail (out-and-back), and the Blue trail (a loop). These trails connect the two main parking areas.
- The intermediate-level Green trail is a 4.2km loop which passes by a pond, through mature pine forests, and more densely forested areas.
- The Red trail is a longer and more advanced extension from the Green trail; rather than looping back as the Green trail does, the Red trail follows the Moira River further south. This trail runs through the forests and is parallel to the Internal Park Road.
Riverside Picnics
Along with several great hiking opportunities, the Vanderwater Conservation Area offers numerous scenic picnic spots. The main parking area offers access to washrooms, while picnic tables are located between the Moira River and the Internal Park Road.
- These picnic areas offer excellent views of the distinctive Moira River landscape, featuring small cascades of water across large limestone steps. These areas offer great wildlife viewing, too! Throughout a picnic, you may spot a great blue heron, an osprey, squirrels, muskrats, turtles, or deer.
- Find picnic snacks nearby from the Greengate Heritage Farm (fresh foods), Nat’s Place in Thomasburg (takeout), or Gateway Family Restaurant in Tweed (takeout).
Winter Fun at Vanderwater Conservation Area
There are no official groomed winter trails within the Vanderwater Conservation Area, but winter fun is still permitted! This includes hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The park has limited hours from September through April but remains open with the same access available to the trails and picnic areas as they offer over summer.
Planning Your Trip – Vanderwater Conservation Area
What: Managed by Quinte Conservation, Vanderwater Conservation Area beside the Moira River features 16km of multi-use trails, picnic areas, and viewing areas over the river. Vanderwater Conservation Area is a year-round park with trails and picnic areas that remain open during the winter months.
Location and how to get there: 512 Vanderwater Rd, Thomasburg
Access Vanderwater Rd. from Highway ON-37.
Vanderwater Conservation Area is located approximately 30 km from Belleville, 100 km ( 1 hr 30 min drive) from Peterborough, 215 km (2 hr 20 min) from Toronto.
Cost: parking $7/vehicle
Best time to go: open year-round
For more information:
